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If you love potatoes with a zesty kick and vibrant herbs, you are going to adore this Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe. Batata Harra is a dazzling Lebanese side dish where crispy roasted potatoes meet fiery crushed red pepper, pungent garlic, and fresh cilantro, all brightened by a splash of lemon. It’s simple to prepare but packed with amazing textures and colors, making it a beloved addition to any meal whether you’re hosting a mezze night or craving a flavorful side to your grilled favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe relies on a handful of humble ingredients that come together to create magic. Each one plays an essential role—from the golden potatoes that form a crispy base, to olive oil that ensures perfect roasting, and the herbs and spices that bring bold, layered flavor and a pop of color.
- 8 medium gold potatoes peeled and cut into cubes: These potatoes roast beautifully, staying fluffy inside with a crispy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided: Olive oil adds richness and helps the potatoes develop a perfect golden crust.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- 3 garlic cloves minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper divided: This brings the signature spicy punch that defines Batata Harra.
- 1 cup chopped cilantro divided: Fresh cilantro lightens and brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A squeeze of lemon adds irresistible zest and balances the heat.
How to Make Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe
Step 1: Roasting the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the cubed potatoes in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them and sprinkle with salt, making sure each cube gets coated for that perfect golden crisp. Roast for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so every side gets a gorgeous, crunchy texture.
Step 2: Preparing the Spicy Garlic Mixture
While the potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan. Add the minced garlic and half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the oil. Let it cook gently until the garlic turns a lovely golden brown—this only takes about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it unlocks those aromatic flavors that really define the dish. Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the chopped cilantro right away to keep it fresh.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Once the potatoes are beautifully crisp and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlicky, spicy oil over the top and toss everything together with the remaining crushed red pepper and cilantro. Make sure every piece of potato gets coated with that wonderful mixture. This step brings all the flavors together — the heat from the chili, the pungency of garlic, the freshness of cilantro, and the richly roasted potatoes.
How to Serve Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe is how easy it is to add simple garnishes for an extra pop. A few fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top provide a lively green contrast. Don’t forget to serve it with lemon wedges—fresh lemon juice squeezed over the top just before eating brightens the bold spices and ties all the flavors together brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs incredibly well with grilled meats like kebabs or lamb chops, as well as alongside a spread of mezze such as hummus, baba ganoush, or a crisp fattoush salad. It’s also fantastic next to roasted vegetables or creamy dips, proving to be a versatile side that enhances a wide variety of meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl lined with fresh greens like arugula or parsley. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of tahini over the top for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Making it part of a colorful mezze platter alongside olives, pickles, and fresh bread will have your guests marveling at your culinary skills.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors actually deepen after sitting for a bit, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
Freezing
While ideally enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can freeze cooked Batata Harra for up to 1 month. Spread the roasted potatoes out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag to prevent clumping. Keep in mind the texture will be best when reheated quickly to regain some crispness.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe, the best method is to warm them in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until they become crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the potatoes from turning soggy. A quick skillet reheat also works wonderfully for restoring that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Batata Harra?
Absolutely! While gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy inside and crisp outside, you can substitute with Yukon gold or even red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them evenly for uniform roasting.
How spicy is Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe?
The level of spice is moderate and can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of crushed red pepper. It’s meant to have a pleasing heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming them.
Is this dish gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, using wholesome ingredients like potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
While roasting is preferred for the perfect crisp, you can pan-fry the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat until golden and tender. Just be sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What’s the best way to get the potatoes super crispy?
Make sure the potatoes are dry before roasting and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Using parchment paper and flipping halfway through helps, as does drizzling enough olive oil to coat each piece well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way spicy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors come together in Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s effortlessly vibrant and satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again to add a little fiery joy to your table!
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Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, known as Batata Harra, is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes tossed with a garlicky, spicy cilantro mixture. Perfect as part of a mezze platter or alongside grilled meats, this vibrant dish delivers a delightful combination of heat, freshness, and zest.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 8 medium gold potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
Garlic Spicy Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, divided
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, divided
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the potato cubes evenly in a single layer on the pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast the potatoes: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Prepare the garlic chili oil: While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden, then remove from heat.
- Toss potatoes with garlic mixture: Once the potatoes are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic chili oil over the potatoes and toss gently to combine. Add the remaining crushed red pepper and chopped cilantro and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Batata Harra hot or warm, accompanied by lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for an added fresh zing if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper to increase or decrease the spice level based on your preference.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, let the garlic simmer a bit longer but be careful not to burn it.
- These potatoes work wonderfully as a side dish to grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
- Using gold potatoes helps achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
